By: Angela Alvis, South of Seoul volunteer
While there is an abundance of temples in Korea, some of the oldest and most unique temples are located in the mountains and countryside. We are fortunate to have so many in and near Pyeongtaek!
Abouth Korean Temples
Korean temples are welcoming to all visitors – Buddhists and non-Buddhists, locals and foreigners. Devout Buddhists go to temples to pray or meditate, those not practicing Buddhism visit Korean temples to appreciate their history, traditional architecture, and acclaimed statues, paintings, and other artifacts. Other people visit temples just to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or as a quick stop along a hike.
Although Korean Buddhist Temples are tourist destinations as well as cultural and historic heritage sights. Always remember that a temple is primarily a place of worship and visitors should act accordingly with respect and courtesy. Here are a few additional cultural notes to keep in mind when visiting Korean Buddhist Temples.
Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to visit a Korean Buddhist temple. Here are a few in or near Pyeongtaek.
Simboksa Temple, Pyeongtaek
Simboksa Temple is the smallest of the temples listed. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in history. Simboksa is named for the seated stone statue of Buddha which is said to have been made in the 10th century and was found by Buddhist fisherman in the nearby river over 700 years ago. These fishermen built a temple to enshrine the statue, where both remain today.
Simboksa Temple
031-682-5588
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
A Stone Buddha from the Unified Silla, which was enshrined in Vairocana Hall of Simboksa Temple and constructed on the 5th year of Joseon King Myeongjongs reign (1549), exudes a meek, yet austere mood. Tourists will find the episodes concerning the construction of this temple fun and interesting.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 현덕면 심복사길 22
Mangisa Temple, Pyeongtaek
Located less than 10 miles from Osan Air Base is Mangisa Temple, the home of the Iron-Seated Buddha. Mangisa Temple was founded in 962 at the beginning of the Goryeo Period. During this period the seated iron Sakyamuni Statue was also created. Visitors may enter four buildings, each containing unique artifacts and artwork dating back hundreds or thousands of years.
Mangisa Temple
031-664-7336
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The Iron Seated Buddha of Mangisa Temple, enshrined in the Daeungjeon Hall of the temple, is a representative Buddha from the Goryeo Dynasty. The temple still boasts the Gamnocheon (literally sweet water fountain) Well, which King Sejo named as such after he drank the water and was impressed with its taste.
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 진위면 진위로 181-82
Bonggoksa Temple, Asan
Located in the foothills of Bongsoo Mountain, the juniper pine trees that line the entrance fill the air with a fragrant aroma that leads to the quiet and secluded Bonggoksa temple. The temple consists of 3 buildings of notable architecture. There are many hiking trails that converge at this temple which makes it a perfect place to begin and end a hike.
Bonggoksa Temple
041-543-4004
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Bonggoksa Temple is located in the valley northeast of Beacon Mountain and the southern tip of Songak. On July 20, 1993, it was designated as South Chungcheong Province Cultural Heritage Material No.233. Its not as imposing or large as other temples, but its located in a very beautiful area with many hiking options.
Hangul Address
충남 아산시 송악면 도송로632번길 138
Gakwonsa Temple, Cheonan
Gakwonsa Temple is located at the foot of Mt. Taejosan, a few kilometers from downtown Cheonan. One of the most notable features of this temple is the massive bronze Buddha statue that stands at over 15 meters tall along with one of the largest wooden halls in all of Korea. Everything at this temple is done on a grand scale, even the parking.
Gakwonsa Temple
041-561-3545
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One of the largest temples in Gyeongju, quiet Gakwonsa Temple is nestled at the foot of Mount Taejosan. Among the sights to see is a towering bronze Buddha, but there are also numerous nature trails winding through the forest and up the mountain. There are no admission fees, and there is plenty of parking. The temple is a lovely place to bring your family for an afternoon of exploration and reflection.
Hangul Address
충남 천안시 동남구 각원사길 245
Seongbulas Temple, Cheonan
Seongbulsa Temple
041-565-4567
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Due south of Gakwonsa Temple, Seongbulsa Temple is smaller than the aforementioned, but it is still a beautiful and serene destination.
Hangul Address
충남 천안시 동남구 성불사길 144
Just south of Gakwonsa Temple, Seongbulas Temple is one of the most scenic spots in Cheonan. Beautiful stone stairs lead to the temple, stop along the way to admire the view of downtown Cheonan and Cheonhoji Lake. This temple is unique because rather than a buddha statue enshrined in the main Buddha Hall, Buddha is carved into the natural rock wall located behind the hall.
Visiting Korean Buddhist temples has been an enriching experience that I want to share with everyone. Visiting a religious site for the first time can be intimidating, especially if it is not of your faith. You can help others learn about Buddhist temples by leaving reviews on the South of Seoul app, post about them on our Facebook page or group, tag us in your Instagram posts, and support South of Seoul through Patreon.
Angela Alvis holds a Master’s in Education and Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology. Ms. Alvis specializes in curriculum development and instructional design.
Angela Alvis has a depth and breadth of experience in education and early childhood that has taken her across the world to work in a variety of school settings, from rural programs to large urban districts, and everything from ECSE and DLL classrooms to childcare and university settings.
Prior to her work with South of Seoul, Ms. Alvis spent several years leading the wide-scale implementation of play-based learning and a formative assessment model with over 120 educators in five early childhood schools that served over 15,000 students in Washington D.C.
After transitioning back to the US, Ms. Alvis became the Associate Director of Strategic Initiatives at Tools of the Mind, she works on cross-departmental teams as the education and content expert. She is currently co-designing a multi-faceted teacher development model that integrates workshops, video coaching, and professional learning communities.
